Tax Ombud Chief Nwabueze Warns Against Tax Evasion

Dr. John Nwabueze, the Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, addressed taxpayers at the North-West Zonal Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting in Kaduna, warning against using the agency as a means to evade or delay legitimate tax payments. He clarified that the Office of the Tax Ombud was established under the Federal Tax Ombud Act to provide an independent and impartial avenue for taxpayers to seek redress regarding administrative, procedural, and service-related issues in tax and revenue administration.

Nwabueze stated that the agency does not cancel legitimate tax liabilities or encourage non-compliance. He explained that the office focuses on operational, procedural, and administrative aspects of tax administration, urging taxpayers to comply with lawful internal dispute-resolution procedures before approaching the agency.

He also announced the introduction of a digital complaint portal and other channels to facilitate taxpayer complaints, emphasizing that the services are free of charge. The engagement aimed to foster better relations between taxpayers and revenue authorities.